Page 105 of Death on a Scottish Train

“Well, Malcolm, the guy you bought the jewelry from, called me earlier today. We’re going to have lunch tomorrow before he leaves town.”

“What about David?” Mara asked.

“Like I said, dating two men at once.” Jasper smiled.

“Just be careful with that softy heart of yours,” I said. He’d been betrayed before by someone he loved, and I didn’t want him to get hurt again.

“It’s just lunch, and he’s leaving town. It’s not like anything can really happen. And besides, I deserve a little fun.”

“That you do,” I said.

I grabbed a couple of macarons. Jasper’s were as good as any I’d had in France. And I’d eaten more than my share there.

“This all feels very familiar,” I said. We’d been at the same party a year ago. I’d been new to town then. So much had happened since those early days.

“I cannae believe you’ve been here for a year,” Mara said. “Though, I felt like I’ve known you all my life.”

“I feel the same way,” Jasper added. “I love our little family of friends.”

“I’m grateful for all of you. My life is so different than when I lived in Seattle. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Group hug,” Mara said.

We laughed but hugged.

“Where is Abigail?” Jasper asked.

“Tommy didn’t feel like facing the crowd tonight. He’s become quite popular after singing at the talent show. When they were going to get fish and chips, people kept stopping them to tell him how good he was. He started to feel uncomfortable with all the attention. Abigail decided he needed a break.”

“That voice could win him one of those popstars shows,” Jasper said. “But I can understand the need for some quiet time. It has been a busy week. I’m used to people, but working night and day is getting old.”

“It has been a fun week,” Mara said. “And business has been great, but I’m ready for the tourists to leave and for our town to return to normal.”

I nodded in agreement. I never minded being busy, but my goal for the next few months was to use my free time to do more genealogy research into my family history. My ancestors had originally come from this area in Scotland, however as I’d told Ewan, there still wasn’t much known about them.

Though, it honestly didn’t matter. I’d never felt so connected to a place or the people than I did in Sea Isle. It was home and always would be.

“Would you care to dance, Doc?” Ewan asked.

I turned to face him. “Have your toes recovered from the charity gala?”

He chuckled and then held out his hand. “I can take it.”

He was dressed in a cable-knit sweater and jeans, and as always, was more handsome than any man should be.

“OK. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I took his hand. He guided me to the dance floor.

I did my best to ignore the curious glances from the locals. Though, I was certain gossip would be flying around town before the song finished.

“You look beautiful,” he said. “That color of green suits you.”

“You too.” I stumbled a bit. “I mean handsome. You look handsome.”

He grinned.

That was graceful.

“Everything looks great tonight. It’s a shame the weather didn’t cooperate.” I steered the conversation to something easier to talk about.